TWO thirds of UK Independence Party supporters think it will form part of the government after May's general election, a poll found today.

Overall, a majority of voters - 54 per cent - expect the Conservatives to be in charge, said ICM research in a report by the British Future thinktank.

But it also found each party's supporters were even more confident about their own movement's chances.

Nearly a quarter, 24 per cent, of Ukip supporters, and 35 per cent of those who say they will definitely back the party, expect leader Nigel Farage to become Prime Minister on May 7.

Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg yesterday SUNDAY ruled out serving in a Cabinet alongside Mr Farage and said it was hard to imagine being in government with Scottish National Party (SNP) MPs.

The Deputy Prime Minister told BBC1's Andrew Marr show he believed the most likely election outcome was a Lib Dem coalition with either Labour or the Conservatives.

He dismissed "silly" predictions that his party would lose more than half its 57 MPs in May, insisting people continued to support the Lib Dems when they heard their policies.

A ComRes poll found yesterday SUNDAY that while Labour retained a one-point lead, by 34 to 33 over the Tories, with Ukip third on 18 and the Lib Dems languishing on seven, voters regarded the Conservatives "more favourably" than Labour.

Separate polling by Panelbase suggested Labour could lose half its 40 Scottish MPs in May while the SNP may increase its Westminster presence from six to 35 seats.

The SNP is arguing that its popularity and the prospect that it could form part of the next UK government qualifies it for a place in televised election leaders' debates.